Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) are native to North America and one of the most popular wildflowers grown. They tend to blanket open fields, often surprising the passerby with their golden-yellow beauty.
Members of the sunflower family, the “black eye” is named for the dark, brown-purple centers of its daisy-like flower heads. The plants can grow to over 3 feet tall, with leaves of 6 inches, stalks over 8 inches long and flower diameter of 2 to 3 inches.
Butterflies, bees, and a variety of insects are attracted to the flowers for the nectar. As they drink the nectar, they move pollen from one plant to another, causing it to grow fruits and seeds that can move about easily with the wind.
These plants bloom from June to October. Note that they can be territorial in that they tend to squash out other flowers growing near them.
Black-eyed Susans are good for cut flowers; they also work well for borders or in containers.
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In Georgia, sow black-eyed
In Georgia, sow black-eyed susans by seed in loosely covered soil that is fertile (so add organic matter if needed). They are sun lovers so plant them in a place that receives full sun. After the first season, they can reseed themselves. These plants are susceptible to powdery mildew fungi, so begin an organic antifungal program if the lower leaves turn brown and twisted. Make sure you don't crowd them as they need some air circulation. Keep the soil moist and water at the ground level not on their leaves and petals. Check with your local garden center for sprays that are approved in your area.
My sister wants some of my
My sister wants some of my black-eyed susan that are taking over the back yard! What is the best way to dig some up to give to her? What is the best time & any other hints for successful transplant? Thanks for any suggestions!
Divide black-eyed susans in
Divide black-eyed susans in the early fall while the soil is still warm but the nights are getting cool. Make sure the transplant area is nicely prepped with compost and that it will drain water well.
If I want to control the
If I want to control the height of my Rudbeckia can I cut them back before they flower?
Yes, you can cut the
Yes, you can cut the black-eyed susans, even down to the ground when the foliage reaches about a foot or two in height. They regrow quickly and it makes for a more compact plant that's at a more reasonable height.
I love my blackyed susan
I love my blackyed susan plants. I have a question about a variety that came up this year. The plant is very tall and the stems are thin with many blooms on each stem. Is this a wild variety?
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) have a solitary flower head. It is not this plant. It's really hard to say without a photo!
Neighbor was getting rid of
Neighbor was getting rid of his black eye susan plants in one area they had taken over. He gave them to me I planted and have been watering them twice a day yet they are all looking dead ? Do I cut them back and hope they will come back next Spring?
Watering twice a day is too
Watering twice a day is too much for most plants, certainly for this drought-tolerant beauty. (Drought-tolerant means that it can go long periods without water.) Our sources suggest that it thrives in hot, dry environments but like all—ok, most—living things, appreciates a splash once in a while. Deadheading after flowering can result in more (smaller) blooms. Cutting back to the highest green leaf after the first frost in your area is acceptable but not essential. The flower seeds heads provide food for birds.
We hope this helps!
My black eyed susans bloomed
My black eyed susans bloomed beautifully and grew to about 3 feet in height. I see that if I "cut them back" they may rebloom in the fall - silly question - how far do I cut them "back"? Do I cut them so only a small stem is sticking out of the ground? Please help and sorry for my ignorance!
Good question. When they get
Good question. When they get a bit "ratty," we cut them down half way or even lower, and they will often grow a whole second set of blooms in the fall.
Have my blackened Susan's on
Have my blackened Susan's on my deck in pots, doing well until this morning..now they are very droopy...did I give them too much water or too much sun..we did have a few days of rain
They often get droopy in the
They often get droopy in the afternoon from the heat of the sun and perk up in the morning. Keep them perkier by watering deeply in the morning and only as often as needed (when about the top inch of soil is only slightly moist) to encourage your plants to send down deep roots.
Our first year of Black Eyed
Our first year of Black Eyed Susans is a terrific success. On some of the flowers, I've noticed a green-like growth coming out of the black eyes. What is that?
How do you harvest seeds from
How do you harvest seeds from the plant? Is it from the dark center? Do you let it dry?
The seed is ripe when it
The seed is ripe when it turns black. You can wait and harvest once your plants is mature. Remove with pruning shears. Then, dry on a clean, hard surface for a few days, clean, and store in a dry, cool place such as a large fridge.
my black eyed Susie for
my black eyed Susie for growing fine. But now the lower green leaves are turning yellow. What could cause that?
Yellowing of the lower leaves
Yellowing of the lower leaves may indicate stem rot. If true, you'd need to remove the top soil around the plant and replace with new soil, as well as remove all infected plants. Perhaps you should bring a sample to a local cooperative extension or garden center.
I have had blackeyed susans
I have had blackeyed susans in my garden corner for years. This year, however, only one small area has blooms. The leaves on the others all look healthy but no a bud to be found. What would cause this?
I live just west of Atlanta, GA.
Have you noticed a black
Have you noticed a black beetle on your Black-eyed Susans? They eat the entire bud, leaving just a deformed knob. If so, you can use Spinosad, an organic insecticide. Spray now and again in 2 weeks, and start in May next year. If you don't see this beetle, then we'd guess that 1) the flowers haven't gotten enough sun yet, 2) they need to be divided (which should happen every 3 to 4 years). You can also enrich your soil with compost, though they're not usually too picky.
Regarding the black beetle
Regarding the black beetle eating the heads of my Black Eyed Susans. You recommended an organic pesticide Spinosad.... will this not harm the bees?? PLEASE TRY AND FIND TIME FOR THIS QUESTION... THANK YOU.
Also, I am from Saskatoon,
Also, I am from Saskatoon, Sk, Canada. If that
helps. And I planted the most common wild
version of black eyed Susan. Any replies, to my
questions will be greatly be appreciated.
Hi Tammy, Black-eyed Susans
Hi Tammy,
Black-eyed Susans do not have separate male and female plants, so that is not the trouble. Good theory, though! Here are some possibilities:
* Some wild Black-eyed Susans, such as Rudbeckia hirta, can perform as biennials depending on location, so they would produce basal leaves the first year, flower the second year, and then die. Could that be it? (Rudbeckia hirta can also act as an annual or a perennial.)
* Or, too much nitrogen encourages plants to produce leaves, sometimes at the expense of flowering. If you think this is the case, cut back on the fertilizer.
* Is the plant getting enough sun? Black-eyed Susans appreciate full Sun for best flowering, although part shade is sometimes fine.
Btw, I forgot to mention I
Btw, I forgot to mention I live in Saskatoon, SK. Canada. Thought you may want to know where I am from as well. I just don't know why my black eyed Susan
isnt showing any signs of flowering yet. is
there such a thing as male and female seeds when taking seeds directly from the flower itself? I have no idea. all l know is it was planted last spring, and has grown a lot, but still no flowers. Should I expect flowers soon or is there any truth to the male female sed thing and could I have gotten all male seeds and thus why I have no flowers?
Hi, I planted my black eyed
Hi, I planted my black eyed Susan from seed in mid spring last year. And so far, all I have this year and last, is the fuzzy leavers. The plant has grown quite big now, but no sign of any flowers. is it because I took the seeds from a dried up
black eyed
Susan? I found it growing wild in an alley and it was close to
being dead, so I kept it for the seeds, dried them out and planted them.
Are there such thing as male and female seeds? Could I have
Unknowingly planted all male seeds as to why I still am not getting any flowers on my black eyed Susan? The plant itself is in good health, just no signs of flowers. Unless it's too soon and and
the flowers will bloom yet this summer? It is the most common wild version of black eyed Susana.
Black eyed Susan
I found some black eyed Susan's in my grandma garden. I accidentally ripped off the leaves but can I put the roots in a jar of water on a ledge by sunlight?? If I do this will they come back??
frost resistant
WE bought a B E S last year,flowered constantly,but following a very hard frost,snow & wind,all that is left is just bare stems...will it return,,didn't cut it back,because the label said not required???
winter care
Whether your black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia sp.) will return will depend in part on whether it is an annual, biennial, or perennial type. Is it a particular species and/or cultivar? If so, you can ask a nursery as to whether it is expected to come back next year. Rudbeckia hirta can be a biennial, annual, or short-lived perennial depending on where you live.
Annuals will flower the first year and then die. Biennials will produce leaves and stems the first year; the second year they will flower and then die. Perennials will live for several years.
Cutting perennials back after flowering can encourage a smaller fall bloom in some types. Also for perennial types, you can cut the dead stems back in winter in preparation for new growth in spring.
In case your plant is a perennial, you might want to cover the area with mulch to protect the roots. Then in spring, you can see if new growth starts up.
Hope this helps!
black eyed susan seeds
I have newly harvested black eyed susan seed and want to know if I can plant them in my aero garden now, or do the seeds need dormant time.
black-eyed Susan seeds
Of course, if the black-eyed Susan seeds would normally fall to the ground, we would hardly notice them in their dormant period. So it makes sense that they would thrive, albeit slowly, in your aero garden. However, about this: Try this two ways. Plant some seeds in your aero garden and put some aside in an envelope. (Think of it as a seed packet.) See which do best and proceed on that course in future. Let us know how it goes.
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